JPAK

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines – Baguio-Benguet Chapter deeply mourns the passing of Atty. Reynaldo Cortes, a distinguished member of the legal profession and a recipient of the IBP Golden Pillar of Law Award and the Chapter’s Human Rights Champion Award.

Atty. Cortes devoted his life to the pursuit of justice and the defense of human dignity. Through his steadfast advocacy and unwavering commitment to human rights, he exemplified the noblest ideals of the legal profession. His courage, integrity, and compassion inspired fellow lawyers and served as a beacon of hope to those whose voices needed to be heard.

His passing is a profound loss not only to the legal community but also to all whose lives he touched through his service. While we grieve his departure, we honor a life lived with purpose and conviction. His legacy will continue to inspire lawyers to stand firm in the defense of rights, justice, and the rule of law.

The IBP Baguio-Benguet Chapter extends its heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. May they find comfort in knowing that Atty. Cortes leaves behind a legacy that will endure far beyond his years.

Though he has left this world, the values he championed and the lives he touched will remain a lasting testament to a life well lived.

May he rest in eternal paradise.

In solidarity with women across the nation! Happy women’s month!

We must transform the goal of equality into a lived reality for every woman and girl. Our advocacy is rooted in building a society where their safety is unequivocally protected and their dignity upheld. Let us work together to institutionalize these changes so that women and girls can live entirely free from fear.

UPDATE: JESS GAMAY AND COMPANION STILL MISSING; NDFP CONSULTANT KENNEDY BANGIBANG, AND 9 OTHER INDIVIDUALS FACING FABRICATED CHARGES

March 12, 2026 | 10:30PM

On March 11, the Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (CHRA) received urgent reports from the families of individuals arrested and alleged by the 5th Infantry Division to be members of the “Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee.” They were taken into custody through separate operations conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Tarlac City and Quezon City (See earlier CHRA Urgent Alert).

In an earlier statement, the 5th ID claimed to have arrested eleven (11) individuals but clarified today that only ten (10) were arrested, with two (2) having no pending criminal charges. CHRA has confirmed that the AFP and PNP arrested twelve (12) individuals in separate operations, with the two (2) others arrested in the previous days.

The arrests include Kennedy Bangibang, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) peace consultant for the Cordillera. As a member of the peace panel, Bangibang is covered by the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the NDFP. Authorities are bound to respect this document, and Bangibang should be accorded the rights and privileges of persons covered by JASIG. He has since been brought to and detained in Tabuk City, Kalinga.

Meanwhile, Jess Gamay and another companion remain missing as of posting, after being "released" by Fairview Police Station 5, almost 36 hours since their arrest. Agencies and offices of several State forces have refused to sign an Inquiry into a Reported Disappeared Person’s Whereabouts form. Families and paralegals continue their search at this moment. Both have no pending charges, as also stated by the 5th ID, and must be surfaced and released to their families immediately without delay. We are deeply concerned about possible coercive actions and the fabrication of trumped-up charges against them.

In Tarlac City, seven (7) individuals, including Bangibang, were arrested and subjected to physical and verbal abuse from the arresting officers, including being struck at the back of their heads, beaten in the face and stomach, and forced to lie on the ground. Two (2) of them were taken without warrants and have now been detained for almost 36 hours. They are now facing trumped-up complaints of illegal possession of fi****ms and explosives, while other detainees are likewise being held on fabricated cases.

All of those arrested are unarmed and non-combatants.

CHRA reiterates that human rights protection for all twelve (12) individuals must be observed, due process respected, International Humanitarian Law upheld, and the rights of all detainees to access their families and legal counsel of their choice guaranteed.

SURFACE AND IMMEDIATELY RELEASE JESS GAMAY AND HIS COMPANION TO THEIR FAMILIES!

The Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (CHRA) raises alarm over the situation of Jess Gamay and another companion who have reportedly been missing for about 24 hours now.

The two were among the 3 individuals arrested yesterday, March 11, during a joint PNP-AFP operation in Quezon City. They are being alleged by the 5th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army to be members of a so-called “Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee.” However, there are no pending charges against either of them. (Read earlier statement here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1KH8mgcdGL/?mibextid=wwXIfr)

Based on initial reports from the families and legal team of the two, authorities from Camp Karingal in Quezon City assert that Jess and his companion had already been “released” yesterday, March 11. They deny holding them in their custody. However, according to their families, neither of the two has returned home or contacted them since yesterday.

CHRA urgently calls on authorities to surface Jess Gamay and his companion and immediately turn them over safely to their families.

Their safety must be ensured without delay. It must be guaranteed that they are in good condition and free from any form of violence, coercion, or intimidation. Both Jess and his companion have no charges, and there is no reason for either the PNP or AFP to hold them in custody. Any attempt to conceal their whereabouts or situation endangers their lives and security and constitutes a grave violation of their fundamental rights.

We call on the friends and colleagues Jess, as well as the public, to help put pressure on authorities, assist in locating them, and ensure their safe return to their families.

Surface Jess and his companion NOW!
Safely release Jess and his companion to their families!

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BERSYON SA FILIPINO:

ILITAW SINA JESS GAMAY AT ANG KANYANG KASAMA AT AGARANG ITURN-OVER SA KANILANG MGA PAMILYA!

Nananawagan ng agarang aksyon ang Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (CHRA) kaugnay sa kalagayan nina Jess Gamay at isa pang kasama nya na iniulat na nawawala 24 oras na ang nakalilipas.

Ang dalawa ay kabilang sa 3 kataong inaresto kahapon, Marso 11, sa isang operasyon ng PNP at AFP sa Quezon City. Ipinaparatang ng 5th Infantry Division ng Philippine Army na sila ay mga miyembro ng tinatawag na “Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee.” Subalit, walang anumang pending na kaso laban kina Jess.

Batay sa mga paunang ulat mula sa kanilang mga pamilya at legal team, iginiit ng mga awtoridad mula sa Camp Karingal sa Quezon City na sina Jess ay “released” na kahapon, Marso 11. Itinatanggi ng mga ito na nasa kanilang kustodiya ang dalawa. Ngunit ayon sa mga pamilya nila Jess at ng kasama nya hanggang ngayon ay hindi pang nakakauwi o anumang komunikasyon sina Jess mula kahapon.

Mahigpit na nananawagan ang CHRA sa mga awtoridad na ilitaw sina Jess Gamay at ang kasama nya at agad silang maibalik nang ligtas sa kanilang mga pamilya.

Nararapat na tiyakin ang kanilang kaligtasan. Kailangang matiyak na sila ay nasa maayos na kalagayan at malaya sa anumang anyo ng karahasan, pamimilit, o pananakot. Parehong walang kaso sina Jess, at walang dahilan para isakustodiya sila ng PNP o AFP. Anumang pagtatangkang itago ang kanilang kalagayan ay naglalagay sa kanilang buhay at seguridad sa panganib na isang malubhang paglabag sa kanilang mga pangunahing karapatan.

Nanawagan kami sa mga kaibigan at kasamahan nina Jess, pati sa publiko, na tumulong na iudyok ang mga awtoridad, tumulong sa paghahanap sa kanila, at tiyakin ang kanilang ligtas na pagbabalik sa kanilang mga pamilya.

Ilitaw sina Jess at kanyang kasama!
Agaran silang pauwiin sa kanilang pamilya!

CHR amplifies call for protection of women human rights defenders on Women’s Month 2026

Kababaihan, manindigan para sa iyong karapatan!

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), as the country’s Gender Ombud under the Magna Carta of Women, celebrates all women this month.

This year’s celebration of National Women’s Month is specially dedicated to those who tirelessly stand up for the rights of all, especially Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs). They continue to advance dignity and equality across society in the midst of gender-based reprisals.

The Philippines continues to face threats against human rights defenders, creating an environment where advocacy is often met with intimidation.[1] Across movements and calls for action, WHRDs persist despite gender-specific risks such as harassment, threats, red-tagging, surveillance, arbitrary arrest, and other reprisals that undermine their safety and legitimacy.

Women must not be trapped in a cycle that turns them into victims and survivors of gender-based discrimination, harassment, and violence. Duty-bearers must ensure an enabling environment where every woman can flourish and remain safe from threats and attacks.

To mark the start of National Women’s Month, the CHR, in partnership with Sarilaya and the Gabriela National Alliance of Filipino Women, will spearhead the 11th Purple Action Day under the theme “Women Human Rights Defenders as Living SHEroes.” The initiative recognizes women’s courage and highlights their role at the frontlines of struggles against discrimination, violence, corruption, labor exploitation, and environmental destruction.

CHR’s month-long celebration begins with the Purple Action March on 02 March 2026, alongside a panel discussion and press conference with WHRDs. Activities throughout the month include the Lingkod Bayan Hub: Serbisyo para sa Mamamayan, advocacy booths and photo exhibits, the Purple Bazaar, the Kilos Lila: Youth’s Right to Suffrage Forum, She Rises: Women Farmers and Food Security (Kababaihang Magsasaka: Para Saan ka Bumabangon?) the theme of this month's Food Security Forum/Kapihan at Kamustahan, and Women with Disabilities Day, all highlighting the voices and contributions of women across sectors.

A detailed schedule of Women’s Month 2026 activities at the CHR is available at: bit.ly/CHRWomensMonth2026.

As the country’s independent national human rights institution, the Commission reaffirms its commitment to ensure women are protected and heard. Collective action remains essential to dismantle entrenched inequalities and build a just and inclusive society.

This year’s CHR observance parallels the global theme for International Women’s Day, “Rights. Justice. Action.” It also aligns with the Philippine Commission on Women 2023–2028 banner theme, “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society,” and the sub-theme “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas,” reinforcing national and global calls to advance women’s rights and gender equality.

Safeguarding women’s rights is both a legal and moral obligation. Let this year’s celebration call us to shape communities where women freely and safely occupy every space they choose, and where equality lives in everyday life.

Sama-sama tayong kumilos tungo sa isang lipunang malaya at makatarungan para sa lahat! # # #

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[1] United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Philippines: UN expert calls for more sustained reforms to prevent threats and killings of journalists and activists, 02 February 2024 https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/02/philippines-un-expert-calls-more-sustained-reforms-prevent-threats-and

Makiisa't makisigaw para sa karapatan at dignidad ng mga kababaihan!

Ngayong Buwan ng Marso, ipinagdiriwang natin ang tapang, lakas, at ambag ng bawat kababaihan sa lipunan 💜

Buong pusong bumabati ang Commission on Human Rights ng Happy Women’s Month! Sama-sama tayong manindigan para sa pagkakapantay-pantay ng lahat 🫶

Babae, kaya mo! Kaya natin nang sama-sama!